Close your eyes and imagine yourself back in the old days (say, 2019), walking along N. Columbus Blvd. near the intersection with Spring Garden Street. There wasn’t much happening here, between the gas station, some low-rise industrial buildings, and empty lots. Oh, and the hulking presence of the empty Festival Pier, which had closed its gates for the last time the previous summer. While many have fond memories of this outdoor concert spot, the fenced off site offered little outside of shows besides unpleasant blocks of fencing around a dusty parking lot, cutting off access to the waterfront. But my, how time heals all (development) wounds: Rivermark Northern Liberties at 501 N. Columbus Blvd. is on the verge of completely reimagining the area.

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A look at the two-building Rivermark Northern Liberties

We’ve covered the details on this project numerous times, so we’ll keep it brief. 470 units and 11 retail spaces are coming, thanks to developers Haverford Properties and Jefferson Apartment Group. The design from Bernardon is a mix of modern design elements, with a two building approach creating a new retail-lined walkway to the waterfront. Oh, and there’s also plans for a large public space on the south side, along with pathways lining the site, all with some pretty awesome art installations to boot. But today’s trip is to bask in the now, as construction is charging forward, truly giving a feel for what’s ahead.

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Looking northeast towards the southern side of Rivermark Northern Liberties
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A look at the future public space on the south end of the property
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Moving north, a closer look at the two buildings in progress
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Peering down the new retail walkway, anchored by a Sprouts Farmers Market
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A rendering of the future walkway, with the new art installation, River Soundings
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The northern building taking shape
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A look at the future view
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Windows in and facade going up at the southern building
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Peering through the fence to get a better look at the brick along the front facade
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Another look at facade as seen from Columbus Blvd.

Even after walking by here and looking over the plans countless times, we are still a bit floored by how well this is coming together. The details of the architecture are really starting to come to life, and that’s before any major facade work. Once things wrap up and landscaping goes in, this will be a complete 180 for the site – and it’s not alone in that regard. Glancing just up the street to 700-30 N. Delaware Ave., there’s plenty of progress at another huge project we visited late this summer.

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Making our way north where 700-30 N. Delaware Ave. is moving ahead
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The future view of the project
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Caisson drilling signals start for second building

For reference, that development will bring another 466 units and another retail walkway are coming here, along with the refurbishment of the historic homes on site. So that’s about a thousand new units coming to the block in the coming years, continuing the evolution of this section of the Delaware waterfront into a truly mixed-use destination.